Physical and mental health functioning of urban HIV-infected and uninfected mothers with problem drinking

Problem drinking is of great concern for mothers, especially those who are HIV-infected. We compared background characteristics, co-occurring drug use, and physical and mental health functioning of urban HIV-infected and uninfected mothers with problem drinking who were raising adolescents. Mothers in both groups reported similarly high levels of lifetime and current alcohol and drug use and poor physical and mental health. Health outcomes for mothers with problem drinking do not appear to be exacerbated by HIV status. Implications for intervention efforts with mothers and their adolescent children are discussed.